Caregiving is more than just a profession—it’s a calling. It takes patience, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose to care for those who need support in their daily lives. Across the United States, the demand for caregivers is growing rapidly, driven by an aging population and an increasing need for long-term care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for home health and personal care aides is projected to grow 22% from 2022 to 2032, making it one of the fastest-growing careers.
Here in Missouri, nearly 1.1 million residents are aged 60 and older, making up almost 18% of the state’s population. Many of them rely on caregivers—whether family members or professionals—to help them live with dignity and independence. The need for certified caregivers has never been greater, and if you’re someone who feels called to this meaningful work, there’s never been a better time to start.
While certification is important for many traditional home health care roles, FreedomCare in Missouri works differently. We don’t require caregivers to be certified—just eligible through Missouri’s Medicaid program—so you can get paid to care for someone you love without needing formal training.
If you’re wondering how to become a caregiver in Missouri, the process involves completing a state-approved training program, passing a certification exam, and registering with the Missouri CNA Registry. This certification not only gives you the skills and knowledge to provide quality care but also opens doors to stable employment in private homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
Whether you’re looking to build a career in professional caregiving or want to provide the best care for a loved one, this guide will walk you through every step of becoming a caregiver in Missouri—from meeting basic requirements to finding the right training program. You’re not just choosing a job—you’re choosing to make a real difference in people’s lives.
What Does a Caregiver Do?
A caregiver provides essential assistance to individuals who need help with daily living activities due to aging, illness, or disability. These responsibilities often include:
- Assisting with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Helping with mobility and transferring patients safely.
- Administering medications under supervision.
- Preparing meals and assisting with feeding.
- Performing light housekeeping duties.
- Providing companionship and emotional support.
- Monitoring health conditions and reporting concerns to medical professionals.
Caregivers in Missouri may work in various settings, such as private homes, home healthcare agencies, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing homes.
Do I Need to Be Certified in Missouri?
While some caregiving jobs in Missouri may not require certification, becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) or Home Health Aide (HHA) in Missouri comes with several advantages:
- Better Job Opportunities – Certified caregivers are more in demand, making it easier to find stable employment.
- Higher Pay – Certification often leads to better wages compared to non-certified caregiver roles.
- Legal Compliance – Many state-funded programs, such as Medicaid, require caregivers to be certified.
- Professional Development – Certification is a stepping stone to more advanced healthcare careers, including nursing.
However, FreedomCare does not require any certification. If you’re looking to care for a loved one through Missouri’s Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program, you can do so without formal training or credentials—as long as you meet basic eligibility requirements. It’s a flexible and meaningful way to make a difference without the need for certification.
General Requirements to Become a Caregiver
Before becoming a certified caregiver in Missouri, you must meet certain qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or GED (varies by employer).
- Pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
- Complete an approved training program.
- Pass a state certification exam (if required).
Some Missouri employers may also require additional certifications, such as CPR and First Aid.
Some Missouri employers may also require additional certifications, such as CPR and First Aid. However, FreedomCare does not require any certification to become a caregiver—you simply need to be eligible through Missouri’s Medicaid Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program and be ready to care for a loved one.
5 Essential Steps to Becoming a Caregiver in Missouri
Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements
To work as a caregiver in Missouri, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (varies by employer).
- Be physically capable of performing caregiver duties.
Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Training Program
In Missouri, caregivers must complete training through an approved Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program or Home Health Aide (HHA) program. These programs are regulated by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).
Training programs typically include:
- Classroom instruction on patient care, safety, and ethics.
- Hands-on clinical training in a healthcare setting.
- CPR and emergency response training.
The required CNA training hours in Missouri are 75 hours of instruction plus 100 hours of supervised on-the-job clinical training.
Step 3: Pass the Certification Exam
Once training is complete, you must pass the Missouri CNA Certification Exam, which consists of:
- A written or oral test covering caregiving principles.
- A skills demonstration where candidates must correctly perform caregiving tasks.
The exam is administered by the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry, and passing it qualifies you to work as a certified caregiver in the state.
Step 4: Register with the Missouri CNA Registry
After passing the certification exam, caregivers must be listed in the Missouri Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Registry. This ensures you are recognized as a certified caregiver and eligible for employment.
Step 5: Consider Additional Certifications
While a CNA or HHA certification is the primary requirement, you may also benefit from obtaining:
- CPR and First Aid certification (required by most employers).
- Alzheimer’s or dementia care certification for working with memory care patients.
- Medication administration certification for advanced caregiving roles.
Where to Get Caregiver Training in Missouri
Missouri has many training options, including community colleges, vocational schools, and online programs. Some approved training providers include:
- Missouri State University – CNA and home health aide training programs.
- St. Louis Community College – Offers state-approved CNA training.
- Ozarks Technical Community College – Provides in-person and online CNA courses.
- Local nursing homes and healthcare facilities – Many provide free CNA training in exchange for employment commitments.
The cost of CNA training in Missouri ranges from $500 to $1,500, but financial aid and employer-sponsored programs are available.
Job Opportunities for Certified Caregivers in Missouri
After obtaining certification, caregivers in Missouri can work in various settings, including:
- Home healthcare agencies
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- Hospice care services
Career Advancement
Certified caregivers can pursue additional training to advance their careers, such as:
- Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
- Pursuing specialized caregiving certifications (e.g., palliative care, dementia care).
- Training as a Certified Medication Technician (CMT) to administer medications.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Caregiver Certification
Missouri requires CNAs and HHAs to renew their certification every two years. To maintain certification, you must:
- Work at least 8 hours in a healthcare setting within the past two years.
- Complete continuing education or refresher courses if required.
- Stay in good standing with the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry.
Failure to renew certification on time may require retraining and retesting.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a caregiver in Missouri is a rewarding career path with growing demand and job stability. By completing a state-approved training program, passing the certification exam, and registering with the Missouri CNA Registry, you’ll be well-equipped to provide compassionate, high-quality care to those in need.
If you’re ready to start your journey, exploring Missouri-approved caregiver training programs is a great first step toward a fulfilling career in caregiving. While certification can open doors in many care settings, it’s important to know that FreedomCare does not require formal caregiver certification. Instead, we offer a unique opportunity through Missouri’s Medicaid-funded Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program—allowing you to get paid to care for a loved one, with competitive pay and personalized support. Whether you’re certified or not, FreedomCare connects you with meaningful work that makes a difference. Learn more about how you can become a caregiver with FreedomCare and support someone you love—on your terms.